Anthony Joshua believes he has God in his corner as he prepares for massive showdown against undefeated Oleksandr Usyk
ANTHONY JOSHUA believes he has God in his corner against Oleksandr Usyk.
The 31-year-old WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight king defends his crowns against the undefeated Ukraine southpaw on September 25 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And the Watford superstar dropped to his knee for a moment of prayer on a recent trip to the North London ground.
On social media, the father-of-one captioned the powerful image with a passage from the King James bible, Mark 8:36.
It read: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul.”
British fight fans will be forgiven for thinking AJ was throwing his support behind the Premier League footballers who continue to take a knee before matches to support the fight against racism.
But SunSport understands it was a private and personal moment of reflection between the 6ft 6in powerhouse and the man upstairs.
Though there is a suggestion he will make the stance next month to support the campaign.
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Asked last month, Joshua said: “Yeah, 100 per cent I would. 100 per cent. I would take a knee anyway.”
Meanwhile, Johnny Nelson reckons AJ is in for a ‘rough ride’ when he faces Usyk.
Nelson told Sky Sports: “I’ve always been a massive fan of Anthony Joshua, it’s never been hidden.
“I’m a fan of Oleksandr Uysk because at cruiserweight I said, ‘This guy is the heir apparent. I could see him stepping up to heavyweight and making a massive impression like Evander Holyfield back in the day.’
“[But he’s a] different style of fighter. But then I saw his introduction to the heavyweight division and I was underwhelmed. And he’s a good fighter, excellent pedigree.
“Better pedigree than Anthony Joshua as an amateur at least. I think Anthony Joshua will be far too big, far too strong, far too sharp and far too aggressive.
“And Usyk’s gotta depend on his unorthodox style to try and befuddle Anthony Joshua to get through that fight.
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“It’s not an easy fight. So if anybody tries to say this is a done deal, this is not a done deal. This is a tough fight for Anthony Joshua.
“So Anthony Joshua needs to make sure he has his white about him, does not underestimate this guy just because he’s a small opponent.
“But he needs to stamp his authority as a big strong, fast, athletic heavyweight champion. In doing that, I expect him to get the win. But it’s going to be a rough ride.”